Topo Hiking Shoes: Picking the Right One For You

I put hundreds of miles on the Terraventure, Pursuit, Traverse, MTN Racer, and Ultraventure to find the perfect hiking shoe.
Lowest Prices I Found:
Terraventure: https://rei.pxf.io/LKdde0
Pursuit: https://rei.pxf.io/DyddDb
MTN Racer: https://rei.pxf.io/9LddvE
Traverse: https://rei.pxf.io/5500O1
Ultraventure: https://rei.pxf.io/aOGG3Y

Gear I'm Using Now:
inReach: https://hkgy.co/inreach
Hiking App: https://hkgy.co/app
Watch: https://hkgy.co/watch
Shoes: https://hkgy.co/shoes
Pack: https://hkgy.co/backpack
Rescue Insurance: https://hkgy.co/insurance

Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):
https://hikingguy.com/gear

Links:
Website: https://hikingguy.com
Patreon:   / hikingguy  
Monthly Hiking News (free):   / hikingguy  
Subscribe:    / hikingguy  

In this video, I dive into the world of Topo Athletic hiking shoes to help you find the right pair for your hiking needs. Over the years, I’ve tested a variety of shoes from different brands, but lately, I’ve been focused on Topo. There are several models in their lineup, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Instead of giving you a long-term review, I’ll be comparing their key features to help you decide which shoe might be the best fit for your hikes.

First up is the Traverse, designed specifically for thru-hiking. It’s the narrowest of the bunch but still offers a snug, comfortable fit. The TerraVenture 4 is similar but has a wider fit and lower stack height, giving you more of a trail feel. If you’re someone who prefers a wider shoe or needs more room for your feet, this might be a good option.

Next is the Pursuit 2, which has quickly become my go-to shoe. It has a higher stack height for more cushion on long hikes and offers a balance between comfort and trail feel. If you’re planning on long hikes and don’t mind sacrificing some trail feel for added cushioning, this might be the perfect shoe for you.

The Mountain Racer 3 is the most aggressive of the bunch, with a 5mm heel-to-toe drop and a more playful feel on the trail. If you’re into fast-paced, more technical hiking, this shoe could be the right fit. Finally, the UltraVenture 3 is the most cushioned option, making it great for long, non-technical hikes, but its tread is less durable and slippery on rock, so it's best for smoother trails or even city walks.

If you're still unsure, I recommend visiting a store like REI, trying these shoes on, and taking them for a short hike. You can always return them if they don't work out. Let me know your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. And as always, if there are other shoes you want me to check out, drop me a line!

00:00 The Shoes
00:40 Traverse
01:49 Terraventure
02:33 Pursuit
03:33 MTN Racer
04:16 Ultraventure
04:45 Recommendations

---

Disclaimer:
Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.